Feasibility study of asphalt-modified mortars using asphalt emulsion

Asphalt emulsion is manufactured by emulsification of asphalt, and it is an energy-saving, ecologically safe material because it does not need any heating processes creating gas emission and fire hazard in its use. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the feasibility on the use of an asphalt emulsion as a polymeric admixture. Asphalt-modified mortars using an experimentally manufactured asphalt emulsion are prepared with various polymer–cement ratios, and tested for strengths, adhesion, water absorption, water permeation, carbonation and chloride ion penetration. As a result, it is found that waterproofness, carbonation resistance and chloride-ion penetration resistance of the asphalt-modified mortars are markedly improved with the increase in the polymer–cement ratio, while their compressive strength and adhesion to mortar substrates are reduced with the increase in polymer–cement ratio. Therefore, it is recommended to control their polymer–cement ratios to be less than 10% in practical applications. Further study to improve their compressive strength and adhesion is suggested.